Barcode Scanning
Barcode Scanning (Point of Sale)
SimpleSpa’s Point of Sale includes built-in barcode scanning for fast product lookup. Use the Scan button in the search bar to connect your device's camera.
The scanner uses the device’s native camera (phone, tablet, or laptop) and does not require any special hardware to get started.
This makes it easy to scan retail products, gift cards, or internal labels directly from the POS.
How Barcode Scanning Works
The POS activates your device’s camera when you tap the barcode scan icon
Point the camera at the barcode or QR code
Once detected, the code is automatically entered and used for product search
The scanner closes automatically after a successful scan
No pairing, drivers, or configuration required.
Supported Devices
Barcode scanning works on:
iOS devices (iPhone / iPad)
Android phones and tablets
Laptops and desktops with a camera
USB handheld barcode scanners that emulate keyboard input
For best results, we recommend:
A rear (back-facing) camera on mobile devices
Good lighting and a clearly printed barcode
Smart Camera Selection (Mac & Desktop)
On desktop and laptop computers, SimpleSpa automatically chooses the best available camera for scanning:
If a built-in or connected camera is available, it will be used
If no usable camera is detected on a Mac or desktop, you can scan using your phone instead
Simply open the POS on your phone and scan the barcode using the phone’s camera
This makes barcode scanning seamless even on desktop setups without a dedicated camera.
💡 Many merchants run the POS on a Mac or desktop computer and use a phone as a quick, handheld scanner — no extra hardware required.
Recommended Workflow (Desktop + Phone)
Run the POS on your Mac or desktop
Keep a phone nearby (iOS or Android)
When scanning is needed, open the POS on the phone
Scan the product barcode using the phone’s camera
Continue checkout on the main POS screen
This setup works especially well at busy counters and front desks.
Supported Barcode & QR Code Formats
SimpleSpa supports the most common retail and inventory barcode standards:
2D Codes
QR Code
Used for digital gift cards, vouchers, and mobile-based codes
1D Barcodes
UPC-A – Standard retail barcode (US & Canada)
UPC-E – Compact UPC used on small retail items
EAN-13 – International retail barcode
EAN-8 – Shortened EAN for small packages
Code 128 – High-density barcode for products and inventory
Code 39 – Common for internal labels and membership cards
ITF / ITF-14 – Used for cartons and case packaging
Most retail products sold in salons, spas, and clinics are supported out of the box.
Product Lookup with Barcodes
When a barcode is scanned in the POS:
The scanned value is read by the camera
SimpleSpa searches for a matching product barcode
If found, the product is added or highlighted in the POS
If no match is found, you can manually create or update the product with that barcode
This allows fast checkout and accurate inventory tracking.
Camera & Privacy Notes
Camera access is only used while scanning
No images or video are stored
Scanning runs entirely in the browser using modern HTML5 standards
Troubleshooting
Barcode won’t scan?
Make sure the barcode is not damaged or blurry
Improve lighting conditions
Hold the camera steady and centered
Try a different angle or distance
No camera detected?
Ensure camera permissions are allowed in your browser
Try a different browser (Chrome or Safari recommended)
On desktops, verify a camera is connected
Technical Notes (For Advanced Users)
Scanning is powered by the HTML5 QR Code library
The system prefers the environment (rear) camera when available
Barcode detection uses native browser capabilities when supported for better accuracy
No additional plugins or native apps are required.
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